Last American WWI Veteran Dies

hrs_army_mil-2008-03-09-194510 — CPL Frank Woodruff Buckles

February 28, 2011 – Frank Woodruff Buckles the last surviving American WWI Veteran dies at the age of 110 in his West Virginia home. 16-year-old CPL Buckles lied about his age (Telling them he was 18) to the Marines and Navy, but they told him to go home. Finally an enterprising Army recruiter signed him on the spot after the CPL said he was 21 🙂 In 1942, he was a civilian, but he was captured by the Japanese when they invaded the Philippines. He spent three and a half years in the Los Baños prison camp. He was rescued on February 23, 1945.

For the full story, please go to defense.gov.

Homeless Veterans Burial Program begins in NY

by vcasny History Military News New York Patriots Veteran

They served our country with honor. They were willing to be sent to wherever our government would send them. They did their time during WWII, Korea, Vietnam and peacetime. Some may have been scarred, some may have simply been down on their luck, and others may have come home to a country that at one time may not have revered their Veterans. I don’t know. “There but by the grace of God…”

Today Saturday 8 January 2011, at 1100 hours, 20 homeless Veterans will receive Military Honors thanks to the Dignity Memorial Homeless Veterans Burial Program. The Veterans, all New Yorkers, will be interred at Calverton National Cemetery. Keynotes will be delivered by congressman Tim Bishop representing the 1st District (NY), and Steve Israel representing the 2nd District (NY).

If you are near Suffolk County today, The Veteran Corps of Artillery encourages you to pay respects.

For the full press release go here.

The Biggest Event of the New Year

by vcasny Artillery Military News New York Press Release VCA Veteran

Is only 3 days away! Polish your shoes, Spiff up your buttons, do a few extra push-ups. The Veteran Corps of Artillery Annual Mess Dinner takes place this Saturday January 8th at the India House Club in downtown Manhattan. In addition to our own troops, we will have distinguished guests from branches of the U.S. Military, and this year we also have the privilege of being joined by David Rohde the award-winning correspondent.

This Mess Dinner promises to be one of the best R&R events of 2011. If you will not be there, don’t worry…Photos and video clips of the event will be posted on our site.

Don’t forget! Mess Dress, Parade Dress or Black Tie only.

A Christmas Story

by vcasny History Military News New York VCA Veteran

In the winter of 1914, somewhere out on the Western Front and during a lull in heavy fighting between the English, French and the Germans, German soldiers began to climb out of their protective trenches and started putting out Christmas trees, and singing carols.

Soon the English and the French joined in and eventually a Christmas truce was proposed. Amid the death and destruction, troops took the time to bury their dead. The story goes that eventually enemy soldiers were exchanging gifts and playing football (soccer) on the battlefield.

It was not well received by commanders, and some troops were killed while coming out of their trenches; but for a brief moment, there was peace on earth on the Western Front. It is almost too incredible to believe in the power of Christmas, but when warring nations/soldiers in the middle of battle, take the time to wish each other “Merry Christmas”, one is left to wonder…

On behalf of the VCA, we would like to WISH all of our service men and women, both at home and abroad, of every religious persuasion, a Very Happy Holiday, a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. May you stay safe, and may you come home soon.

Here is more information on the “Christmas Truce“. Here is a Wiki Article.

Pearl Harbor

by vcasny History Military News Veteran

December 7th, 2010 marks the 69th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The event marked the beginning of the war (in the U.S.) that would define the “Greatest Generation”. Veterans of this war are fading away as is the memory of that day. It is unusual nowadays to do an Internet search and come out “empty handed”; but I found few new articles, events or comments about December 7, 1941. As more time passes, and in the not too distant future they will be all gone. It is our responsibility to reach out those Veterans and say thank you to let them know that they are still remembered and appreciated.

If you read this post, please add any commemorative events as comments and links. Here is one commemoration event happening aboard the USS Intrepid Museum.

3rd Batallion, 5th Marines – Dark Horse

by vcasny History Military News VCA Veteran

A lot of you may have seen the recent facebook posts asking to pray for and support the “Darkhorse Marine Batallion”, and you may not be quite sure who they are. Here is some information regarding our fine Marines.

These Marines are currently deployed in Sangin district, Afghanistan and recently suffered heavy losses, including the loss of 4 Marines from a single bomb attack on their ATV; however, as with all Marines they fight on and according to their CO, they are fulfilling their mission and morale is high. Even so, the VCA extends its’ prayers and wishes for their safe return. Please support our Marines and all our troops in whatever way you can.

Here is the Dark Horse official web site, where you’ll find a current letter from their CO, and ways of supporting them. Here is a link providing a little more detail on the “facebook request“, and for the WikiPedia entry on Dark Horse please go here.

Semper Fidelis

Centennial Legion – Elected Officer and Veterans

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery Military News New York Press Release VCA Veteran

As many of you know by now, the new commander of the Centennial Legion is COL. Houstin Spencer. As always, the VCA wishes the COL. their best and much success in the coming year.

Today we write about one the VCA’s very own! At the Annual Director’s meeting, the VCASNY’s own Initiatives Officer, LTC Herman N. Cohen was elected 2nd Vice Commander of the Centennial Legion. He follows in the footsteps of another VCASNY member who served as CLHMC Commander, the VCA’s current Adjutant, COL Matthew G. Cusack, Jr. who served from 1996 -1997.

Best wishes to one of our own!

At the meeting, LTC Cohen, who in civilian life works for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC, distributed copies of a DVD he produced, called “Homes for Heroes”. The video is about grants available for severely disabled veterans to adapt their homes for wheelchair accessibility. You can view the video at the VA site here. He is currently working on a new video on assistance to Veterans having financial difficulties called “Alternatives to Foreclosure“. In addition, LTC Cohen’s monthly streaming Internet video broadcasts to Mortgage Lenders, National Service Organizations and Veterans on GI Home Loans and Grants can also be viewed at VA site here. Just go near the bottom of the page to the section labeled “Previous Broadcasts”.

If you are a Veteran, please go to these sites for information on receiving the benefits you’ve earned.

Centennial Legion – Boston and Plymouth

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery History Military News Military Photos New York Patriots Press Release VCA Veteran

It was a busy weekend for the VCA and its’ Centennial Legion sister organizations, and most participants only had time to go from event to event, while catching a little rest in between. The weekend began at a leisurely pace with a private tour of the Old North Church, and was followed by a nice complimentary reception at the Union Oyster House. The Oyster House is the “oldest restaurant in continuous service” in the U.S. Our thanks to BG Milano, Proprietor.

The VCA’s first event was the participation in the Change of Command Ceremony aboard the USS Constitution. It was a grand event hosted by the United States Navy aboard the oldest warship in the U.S. The mantle was passed from CAPT. Ed Hebert to COL. Houstin Spencer in grand style and ceremony. The VCA wishes COL Houstin their best as he takes on his new responsibilities.

In addition to dignitaries of the Centennial Legion, the key note speaker was MG Bray, Commander of the Rhode Island National Guard and Militia. The ceremony was followed by yet another complimentary reception at Warren Tavern. Warren Tavern had been visited by the likes of George Washington and Paul Revere. It was also the site of the first formal Masonic lodge in Boston. The libation was flowing and the food was fresh.

Saturday began with a drive up to Plymouth, MA for the VCA’s participation in the Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you weren’t there, the best way to experience it is with photos. Please visit our Flickr Photostream to see many photos, and videos from this event and the weekend.

Stay tuned tomorrow for other Centennial Legion news from the 75th Annual Meeting regarding one of the VCA’s own officers.

Veterans Reflections

by vcasny History Military News Military Photos Veteran

Veterans Reflections is a collections of stories from men and women that served from WWII to the present. They are stories based on experiences of service and their effect on the veteran. The stories will be published on www.defense.gov throughout the month of November in honor of Veterans Day. Here is the latest story on Michael Tripp, who actually became one of the more famous faces from the Vietnam War.

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Veterans Day 2010

by vcasny American Revolution History Military News Military Photos New York Patriots VCA Veteran

From the Revolutionary War to the “Cold War” to Afghanistan, young men and women have served our country with commitment, honor and courage. If I counted up wiki correctly, we have lost ~650,000 men and women during armed conflicts, and another ~1.5 Million were wounded during the history of our nation. There are another 83,918 that are still unaccounted for.

The VCASNY asks that you remember them all today and everyday, by supporting them, flying the flag, attending a parade, saying “thank you” to that nice elderly man down the block, and by never forgetting what they have given to support our country.

VCASNY

Official website of the 9th Field Artillery Regiment

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